Know Your Rights: Workers' Compensation in Minnesota

If you are hurt on the job in Minnesota, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. It does not matter who caused the injury. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, and almost all Minnesota employers must carry this insurance.

Your Rights

1. You do not need to prove your employer was at fault. Workers’ compensation is no-fault. Even if you made a mistake that contributed to the injury, you can still receive benefits.

2. Your employer cannot fire you for filing a claim. Minnesota law ( Minn. Stat. § 176.82 ) makes it illegal for your employer to retaliate against you for reporting a work injury or filing a workers’ compensation claim.

3. You can choose your own doctor. After the first visit, you have the right to pick your own treating physician. You can also get a second opinion.

4. You do not have to pay for medical treatment. All reasonable and necessary medical care related to your work injury is paid by the insurer, not you.

5. You may receive wage-loss benefits. If you cannot work, you can receive two-thirds of your weekly wage. If you can work but earn less because of your injury, you can receive partial wage benefits.

6. You may receive permanent disability compensation. If your injury causes a lasting impairment, you may be entitled to a one-time permanent partial disability payment.

7. You have the right to rehabilitation services. If you cannot return to your old job, a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC) can help you retrain or find new work at no cost to you.

8. All workers are covered. This includes part-time and temporary employees. If your employer controls your work, you are likely covered even if they call you an independent contractor.

What to Do

• Report your injury right away. Tell your employer in writing what happened, when, where, and what body parts were affected. Do this within 14 days if possible.
• Get medical care immediately. Go to the nearest hospital or urgent care for emergencies. Tell your doctor the injury is work-related.
• Keep records of everything. Save copies of medical bills, treatment records, the names of all doctors you see, and any communication with your employer or the insurer.
• Make sure your employer files the report. Ask your employer to confirm that they filed a First Report of Injury with their insurer and DLI.
• Do not sign a settlement without legal advice. A settlement usually closes your claim permanently. Talk to a lawyer before signing anything.

Important Deadlines

Deadline	What It Means
14 days	Recommended time to report your injury to your employer
180 days	Legal deadline to give your employer notice of the injury ( Minn. Stat. § 176.141 )
3 years	Deadline to file a workers’ compensation claim ( Minn. Stat. § 176.151 )

Get Help

• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI): 651-284-5005 or 800-342-5354 – dli.mn.gov – Workers’ compensation information and assistance
• Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH): oah.state.mn.us – Handles workers’ compensation disputes

For more detail: See our full guide on Workers’ Compensation.